Burial

History

Born in Aibonito, Puerto Rico November 1, 1935 José became involved with the Mennonite church as a young boy. His interest with the church continued and he felt the call to go into the ministry. José studied at the Mennonite Bible Institute in Aibonito, Puerto Rico from 1955 – 1959. During his ministry in Puerto Rico José pastored three different congregations- Pulguilla, Palo Hincado and Honduras. His desire to take a larger role in helping to shape and influence the Spanish churches in the United States led him to move to Lancaster, PA in 1969. Here he helped the Spanish Mennonite churches in Lancaster, New Holland and Reading. From 1970-1977 José became pastor of the Good Shepherd Mennonite Church and overseer of the 10 churches in the Spanish District of the Lancaster Mennonite Conference, where he founded the Concilio de Iglesias Menonitas Hispanas (Council of Hispanic Mennonite Churches). His enthusiasm and dedication helped the churches grow and prosper to this day. Feeling a call for missions, José and his wife Agdelia were pioneers in the mission work in Venezuela, S.A. (1978-1982). During his ministry there he established four churches.

Back in the United States, José once again became pastor of the Good Shepherd Mennonite Church and was also ordained as bishop of the Spanish District of Lancaster Mennonite Conference in 1984, a position he held until 1988.

Still feeling the need to do more, José continued his education and earned a Masters of Arts Degree in Church Ministries Leadership in 1991. He was named director of personnel in the Oversees Department for Latin America at Eastern Mennonite Missions (EMM) and retired in 2002. When José completed a decade of work as representative to Latin America, he said it was not to retire, but to keep moving. In his last years he continued to stay involved in many of the Spanish Mennonite churches, pastoring and helping out where need; his last project being the Spanish Reading Mennonite Church “La Luz del Mundo”, where the work still continues.

Guestbook

Jose, I know you are in a better place. You taught us so much, mostly by example. If only we could live up to the excellent standard you set as an example for us. Your reward must be great for all the good work you did. There is no way to measure the number of selfless, kind and compassionate things you did to help others over 60 years of ministry. I have been blessed to have been close to you and share in your reflections of life, love, family and God. Even though you are no longer here in body, our minds will never forget you and our hearts will always be full of your spirit.

Abuelo I love you and will always miss you! You have been a great father figure in my life and one of the best role models anyone could ever have. You have taught me patience, professionalism, kindness, respect and so much more. I will take all your teachings with me and continue to grow with you in mind. I hope one day I can be as great of a man as you have been in the eyes of the lord.

Jose you were an example to other pastors, your children, your church and world. Thank you for your fervent work. May God give all those who feel your loss strength and peace. Y ou will be missed. Till we meet again.

Jose, You were the image of what Our Master wants All of Us to be. There is no greater value a father can give than EXAMPLE! You didn’t just give it to Your children. You gave it to All that came in touch with You! For this and so many other wonderful things You have done I and everyone that knows You rest assured that We will meet You in Glory some day. God give strength and assurance to find solace and peace within ourselves as we mourn your departure from our lives into the kingdom of heaven.

Because of the life you lived and the example you gave, I can proudly say you were my greatest mentor, friend, and father like figure in school. I know you’re in a better place now and I will work hard to make sure we will meet again.

It has been an honor and a blessing be your daughter in law. I will miss you terribly. Your living lesson in love, humbleness, faith, loyalty and stewardship is to be copied. You have been a father at times of need, you have been the best grandfather to my children. You made it possible for me to be the nurse that I am today. I can only imagine how much you are enjoying welcoming party.
RIP José A Santiago

I just want to give my condolences to the Gonsales family .we just lost another General but I know his rewards are great !! I thanks God for the help he gave as to come as a family to the USA and testimony as a disciple of Jesus Christ .

You were instrumental in bringing Miguel Espindola and Family to train for the ministry. You cared deeply for this family and you stood with them in many moments of sadness and need. You were the presence of Christ for my friends. Blessings to you and your family. You are alive…

I still miss you abuelo, I know all is well where you are. I’d love for us to share another good laugh. I wish I could have introduced you to my loved ones these past holidays. I did take the time to tell them all about you. I love you